by Faith Gibson
“I’m not sure where to start,” Rhi admitted after taking a bite of pancakes. She didn’t want to talk right then. She wanted to enjoy her food while it was warm.
“At the beginning is always a good place,” Sutton suggested. Ryker’s dad was unlike any man Rhi had ever met. His voice was soft, like he didn’t want to scare her. He had greeted Ryker with a firm hand to the shoulder, but the affection was there when he looked at his son. Something Rhi hadn’t seen since her mother died. Where she’d been taken to live, affection had been discouraged. Only married couples were allowed to touch outside their cabins, and that was nothing more than holding hands. Even the kids didn’t receive hugs or words of encouragement from their parents. Rhi hadn’t had a hug in ten years, and as that thought hit her, she couldn’t hold back the tears.
“What’s wrong?” Ryker was kneeling by her chair before she could blink.
“Just thinking about my mom. Sorry.” Rhi wiped her eyes and blew out a breath. Ryker returned to his seat, but not before he shared a look with his parents.
“Nothing to be sorry for.” Rory patted her hand. “Talk can wait. Let’s enjoy our breakfast first, okay?”
Rhi nodded, thankful for the reprieve. While she enjoyed the best breakfast she could remember having, Rory talked about her newest grandsons, Major and Marshall. Rory told Rhi how they’d been kept from Maveryck for the first four years of their lives and how the family was trying to make up for lost time. Rhi was fascinated. So much so she wanted to meet the little boys. She’d been around other kids when she was younger, but hearing how their family almost fought over spending time with the boys was both wonderful and bittersweet. It was clear these people were nothing like those she’d lived with the last ten years. They reminded her of her mother, and Rhi knew she was going to be okay.
When breakfast was finished, Rory added more coffee to Rhi’s cup. Rhi mixed in more cream and sugar because black coffee was just nasty. The four of them moved to the living area. Rhi and Ryker took chairs, while Rory and Sutton sat next to each other on the sofa. Right next to each other. Rhi smiled at their closeness. That’s how her parents had been before her mom died. Even with her grandmother harping on her dad about Daisy being “of the devil,” David had loved her mom.
“My mom, Daisy, she was everything to me. She was what some liked to call a free spirit. My grandmother called her a witch. Grandmother didn’t like it that my mom was pagan. It caused more than one fight in our house. Not between my parents, because my dad, David, he loved my mom. He saw nothing wrong with her tending our garden. Or the candles she lit when she talked to the goddess and asked Her to bless our home. Our home was blessed until it wasn’t. Mom died when I was thirteen from a brain hemorrhage. My grandmother said it was God punishing her for having the devil in her. My mom didn’t believe in the devil, so I thought my grandmother was just being mean.
“Soon after we buried my mom, my grandmother convinced my dad he needed help with me, and she convinced him to take me to live with a group of super religious people. It was completely different from what I was used to. There were no televisions or radios. It was a little town all on its own where men and women had to keep separated unless they were married. Instead of living in a house with my dad, I was put in a cabin with two other girls. Both were older, and since they’d been there a lot longer, we didn’t get along that well. They did as they were told, but I just wanted to go home. The only thing there was that remotely reminded me of home was the gardens. I would sneak off and talk to the plants. For that, I was punished. The preacher said it wasn’t right, talking to the vegetables and herbs, but I knew better. Mom taught me they were living things, and living things thrive by being nurtured and cared for.” Rhi took a sip of coffee to gather her thoughts.
“Ryker told us the man you were with, James, called you his wife.”
“He wishes. Brother Josiah had approved our courtship. It was the only reason I was allowed to leave our community and accompany James to the city when he went on a supply run.” The mood in the room instantly changed. Rhi could feel the charged energy, and she knew it wasn’t good. “Please don’t make me go back. I don’t want to marry him. I don’t want to marry anyone there,” she whispered.
Rory stood and came over to kneel at Rhi’s feet. The pretty blonde took Rhi’s free hand in hers. “We would never make you go back. Rhi, do you know a young man named Elijah?”
Rhi stared between the three of them. How did they know Eli? “Yes. He came to live with us several months ago. Brother Josiah told the congregation Elijah was a troubled soul and none of us were to speak to him. Said he had to do his counseling in silence. How do you know Eli?”
“He used to live in a compound similar to the one you ran from. Elijah and my granddaughter – Ryker’s daughter – McKenzie, they fell in love. Mac had been promised to one of the guards, so they took Elijah away.”
“What happened to Mac?” Rhi was afraid to hear the answer.
Ryker stood and strode to the window, looking out. Rory stared after her son a few seconds before answering. “Long story short, she tried to run away. She was caught, but not before being attacked by the dog tracking her. Also, she had gotten pregnant, and Gideon, Josiah’s brother who was running their compound, took the baby and sold it to someone outside their group. Warryck was looking for a missing woman, and he found her when she was being chased the same way. He rescued her and then we went in and took down Gideon. Since you were also trying to escape, I’m going to assume you have no love for Josiah?”
“Not at all. I think he’s a creep. My dad…” Rhi blinked back the tears. “He changed once we went to live there. I’d always been closer to my mom, but Dad, he uh, he listened to what Josiah said. Became distant and allowed me to be raised with all these new rules. I went from having friends I played with every day after school to not being allowed to speak to the boys. I didn’t understand why things were so drastically different. I tried to talk to my dad about it, but I got in trouble for that too. I stayed in trouble for the first couple years, and I finally figured out how to keep my head down. I stopped talking. I did my studies. Learned all these stupid Bible passages I didn’t believe in. I became the perfect, submissive woman I was expected to be, all while biding my time. I prayed to the goddess every day like my mom taught me to, but I did it in my head. While Josiah was shouting about the wrath of God, I was inwardly seeking the blessing of the goddess. I’m sorry if that’s something you don’t agree with.”
“Oh, Honey. Your spirituality is as unique as you are. We don’t believe in forced religion. Hell, we don’t worship the Christian God, either. Let’s just say, our family’s beliefs are more aligned with yours, as we still believe in the old gods.” Rory stood and went back to sit by her husband. “Do you have any family you want to reach out to?”
“No. My mom was an only child, and both her parents died when I was little. If my dad’s mom finds out I’m no longer living where my dad is, she’d just take me back.”
“Did your grandmother not live at the compound too?” Sutton asked.
“No, she came from a different community. I can’t remember the name of the preacher where she lived. I always wondered why we didn’t go live with her when we moved, but I was just a kid. She always told me I was to be quiet unless spoken to first.”
“When we help people get back on their feet, it’s when we’ve helped the compound as a whole. Since you’re on the run and James will no doubt be looking for you, it might be best if we hide you out for a while. You can come stay with Sutton and me until we make sure James is no longer a threat.”
“She can stay with me and Mac,” Ryker said, still staring out the window.
“Ry—”
“I’m thinking she and Mac can help each other. Rhi knows about Elijah, and she can talk to Mac about him. Give her hope that they’ll be reunited soon.” Ryker had turned when he was speaking to his mom. They stared at each other, some unspoken conversation going on between them
.
“Rhi, can you tell us where the compound is?” Sutton asked.
“No.”
“No? Why are you protecting them?” Ryker asked, his face angry.
“I’m not protecting them. I can’t tell you because I don’t know. James made me wear a blindfold on the drive. I was only allowed to take it off right before we made it to town.”
Ryker sighed. “I’m sorry. We’ve been looking for Josiah for a while now. Wait. We went to where the old compound was, but it had been abandoned. It was moved to a new location. You had to have been part of that.”
“Yeah, that wasn’t fun. We packed up everything a few months ago. But when they took us to our new home, we all were blindfolded. Josiah said it was for our safety. All I know is it takes about an hour to get from the compound, as you call it, to town.”
“How do you know this if you’re blindfolded?” Ryker crossed his arms over his chest. Rhi had to look away. The man, even when scowling, was too tempting.
“Because I counted the songs. Trying to get in my good graces, James allowed me to listen to the radio during the drive. I love music, or I did before we moved. Most songs are around three minutes long, and I began counting them so I would know when we were getting close to town.”
“That was smart of you,” Rory praised. Rhi wanted to go to Rory and hug the woman. She missed her own mom so much, and Ryker’s mom looked like she would give good hugs. Rhi was torn. She wanted to go live with Rory and have a mother’s touch, but she also wanted to stay with Ryker. She told herself it was so she could help Mac feel better about Elijah, but that would be a lie. She wanted to be wherever Ryker was. Rhi was infatuated with the broody man.
Chapter Five
Ryker
What the hell was he thinking? Ryker didn’t need Rhi living in his home. Now that she had showered, her natural scent, even though covered by bodywash and shampoo, was calling to him. It was stronger than even Juliette’s had been, and that wouldn’t do. Juliette had been his one love. He didn’t get a second chance.
Mav and War found love twice. Why not us?
Ryker hated when his Gryphon made sense, but he wasn’t going to argue with it. Yes, Rhi called to him, but he wasn’t good for the young woman, no matter how good she smelled, how she sang like an angel in the shower, or how she looked at him like he was her hero. He had saved her from James. That’s what she was feeling. Once she was around the others, Rhi would most likely forget all about him when she saw Kyllian and Hayden or any of the other younger Hounds. Ryker was a broody bastard. Why would she want someone like him when she could have a younger, more fun male?
He could put up with her long enough for Rhi and Mac to talk. To become friends and help each other start living again. Ryker had a job to do, and that didn’t leave time for him to worry about being around Rhi that often. Thinking of his daughter, Ryker asked, “Who has eyes on Mac?” McKenzie never minded when Ryker wasn’t home. She enjoyed being in the house by herself, doing whatever it was she wanted to in privacy. She preferred it, or so she said.
“Kyllian’s taking her out on his bike today. I think our girl’s getting the fever. Hayden said Mac wanted to learn to ride, and both of them are willing to teach her.”
“Mac’s going to learn to ride a motorcycle? That would be so cool,” Rhi said.
“Have you ever ridden?” Rory asked.
“Not by myself. One of the boys I grew up with had a dirt bike. He doubled me sometimes, but I never drove it by myself. Not for lack of asking, though. Do you ride?”
“It’s been many years, but I used to have my own bike. Well, I still do, although it’s sitting at the clubhouse instead of at home in the garage.”
Ryker could envision Rhi taking Rory’s pink bike out, her long hair whipping in the wind behind her. He could also imagine her riding behind him, pressed against his back, holding on tight. Fuck. He needed to put some space between them before he did something stupid like put her on his bike for the ride home.
“I need to get back. My meeting with the Shepherds went well, and I’m ready to move forward.” Ryker would take the first job Quinn offered the Hounds and get away from the temptation that was Rhiannon Spencer. “Rhiannon, do you want to go home with Rory and Sutton, or would you like to come stay with Mac and me?”
“Uh…” Rhi looked between the three of them, a blush staining her cheeks. Ryker shouldn’t find it endearing, but he did. “Do you think Mac would mind? I don’t want to be a painful reminder of her past.”
Zeus, she is so sweet.
Ryker mentally pushed his beast. Get a grip, big guy.
I’d love to. Grip her around the waist. Put her on our lap and kiss her pink lips. Mmm.
“I think Mac could really use a friend right now. Considering you both went through something similar, I’m sure she won’t mind.” Ryker was counting on Mac and Rhi becoming friends, even if it would be hell for him.
“Okay, then. I’ll stay with you.”
Ryker ran a hand through his hair. He could do this. He could be around Rhi and keep it in his pants. “I’m going to hit the road. I need to stop by the clubhouse before I get home, so take your time.”
“Let me walk you out.” Sutton followed Ryker to the door and out into the hallway. “Before you get on the road, give Lucy a call. Hopefully with the information Rhiannon gave us, she’ll be able to locate Josiah.”
“Will do. I’m also going to text Kyllian and make sure he has Mac home before we all arrive. I want to give her a heads-up that we’re going to have a houseguest.”
“I know you think Rhi’s too young, or you’re too… something, but if your Gryphon is telling you to go after Rhi, listen to it. Life is too short, even with our extended years. And don’t give me any bullshit about being too busy. I ran the MC and held down a job when I met your mother and helped raise eleven kids. Nor do I want to hear about her age. You’ve had the party girl. The strong one. Now, maybe it’s time to let yourself be loved by the innocent one.”
“Pop, you don’t get it. I’m not interested in Rhi. Yes, she’s pretty. Yes, she has stars in her eyes when she looks at me, but that’s because I rescued her. If it had been you who pulled her from the dumpster, she’d be looking at you the same way. I’ll introduce her to Kyllian.” Zeus, why did that thought make him want to throw up? Kyllian was the gentlest out of all his brothers, even though he had a penchant for getting Maveryck in trouble.
“Okay, Son. I’ll not bring it up again. Ride safe, and I’ll see you at your house.”
Ryker strolled out of the hotel. He checked his surroundings before straddling his bike. If Rhi was correct, James was still in the area. Then again, knowing what he did about the Ministry, Ryker didn’t doubt James had returned to the compound and told Josiah about Rhiannon running. They moved a whole compound so they wouldn’t be found. Now, they had someone who could possibly give the authorities information on the new location. He pulled out his phone and called Lucy.
“Morning, Uncle. What can I do for you?”
“Good morning, Little Dove. Can your favorite uncle not call just to say hello?”
Lucy laughed. “You could, but it’s not your MO.”
“True, and for that, I’m sorry. I’ll try to do better in the future.” Zeus, Ryker really was a bastard. “I have information that should help you find Josiah’s compound.” Ryker looked around, making sure there was no one in listening distance, then explained about Rhiannon.
“I’m on it. Hopefully by the time you all return, I’ll have the location pinned down.”
“Thank you. Also, if you would, check for any CCTV footage in the area and see if you can get video of Rhi and James. I’d like a photo of the man to circulate between the Hounds. If Rhiannon’s right, they’ll come back looking for her, if they haven’t already. If we can catch them here in town, we’ll be able to capture some of their men and question them about their operation.”
“Will do. I’ll talk to you soon.”
Ryke
r thanked Lucy before hanging up. He hated everything his niece went through, but he was glad she was part of their family again. Glad she had a Gargoyle as honorable as Tamian St. Claire as a mate. His little Lucy, a queen. No, she wasn’t his daughter, but he was the one who looked out for her while Warryck was off living his life away from the family. Now, both War and Lucy were back where they belonged. Thinking of daughters, Ryker sent a quick text to Kyllian telling him to bring Mac home before it got too late and why. Ryker wanted Mac to be there when Rhiannon arrived.
Ryker felt lighter than he had in months. The ordeal with Cassandra and Nexus had thrown him into a tailspin, but now the Hounds would be working with Shepherd and Quinn. He was confident the father-and-daughter team would be a good fit with the work the Hounds did. Ryker couldn’t wait to tell Mac the good news about Elijah. The boy was alive if Rhi was telling the truth, and she didn’t have a reason to lie about the young man. They were one step closer to finding Josiah and shutting down that branch of the cult.
Ryker arrived at the clubhouse pleased to see many of the Hounds already there. Calling church was usually only done when they had something of utmost importance to discuss. This was more of an impromptu gathering to let them know about his meeting with the Shepherds. This affected them all, and Ryker wanted to assure them they wouldn’t encounter the same shitstorm that was brought upon them while working with Nexus.
Sultan, his Sargent-at-Arms, got everyone’s attention and sent them into the conference room. The Hounds gathered around the oak table with Mayhem sitting to his right and Sultan to his left. The only ones missing were Kyllian, who was still out with Mac, and Tank. Martina was ready to give birth, and family came first. No, that wasn’t how most MCs worked, but the Hounds weren’t like other clubs. In that moment, Ryker became Ryot, president of the Hounds.
“This won’t take long. There are two things I wanted to share with you. First, I met with Trenton Shepherd and his daughter, Quinn. Shepherd is an old friend of Sutton’s, and he and his daughter have been running an organization similar to Nexus for over twenty years. Going forward, we will be taking contracts from them instead of Nexus. They are not a large organization with various unnamed handlers. Quinn is the only one who’ll be contacting me when they have jobs for us. Sutton trusts Shepherd, and I do as well. You’ve all had a short reprieve from our merc work, and now that I’ve agreed to partner with them, we’ll be getting back into it immediately. Any questions?”